Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Are you sick of using store-bought cleaners packed with mystery chemicals? Want something to clean with while you're camping?
A DIY all-purpose cleaner can easily be made from things you most likely have in your home already. This guide will set you up with an easy-to-follow recipe to make your own cleaner.Â
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Ingredients You'll Need:
- Distilled waterÂ
- White vinegarÂ
- Baking sodaÂ
- Essential oil
Why These Ingredients Work…
White VinegarÂ
Vinegar is a powerful cleaning tool. Its acidity cuts through grime dissolves mineral buildup, and leaves surfaces gleaming. Its natural antibacterial properties make it a great choice for tackling germs.
Just avoid using it on natural stone like marble or granite—vinegar can be too harsh for those surfaces.
Baking SodaÂ
This little cupboard hero does more than keep your fridge fresh. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to scrub away stubborn stains and grease. It also neutralizes odors, so it’s excellent for freshening up your space as you clean.
Distilled WaterÂ
Why distilled water instead of tap water? Tap water often contains minerals that can leave streaks or build up over time. Distilled water ensures a streak-free shine, especially on glass or stainless steel surfaces.
Essential Oil
Essential oils don't just smell good—they also contribute to cleaning.
Commonly, lemon oil is used for its antibacterial properties, while something like mint oil provides a fresh, clean scent that helps repel some household pests. Choose whichever appeals to your nose and is available.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by filling a large spray bottle halfway with distilled water. You want room for mixing, so resist the urge to overfill.
2. Pour in 1 part white vinegar. If you added 1 cup of water, match it with 1 cup of vinegar.
3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda, sprinkling it in slowly. The mixture will fizz like a science experiment, which is normal! Slow and steady avoids overflow.
4. Drop in 10-20 drops of your chosen essential oil—I used lemon in this case.. Not sure how many drops to use? Start small and add more if you want a stronger fragrance.
5. Screw the top back onto the spray bottle and shake the bottle well. Make sure all the ingredients mingle nicely. That’s it—you’re done!
Conclusion
You can store the cleaner with others if you want and it's best to use it within a couple of months to ensure it stays potent. Since it doesn't require much effort to make, you can create a new batch every month or two.
Avoid direct sunlight and storing near heat sources as that can affect the potency of the cleaning capabilities.
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